The project supports the city’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme aims, particularly with respect to supporting staff in the transformative and effective use of technology in schools. We are delighted to be partnering with Childnet – who have an outstanding international reputation in the field of e-safety.

Many learners on the autistic spectrum in Leicester’s BSF schools make use of gaming, mobile and web-based technologies to socialise, communicate and learn, like other young people in the UK. Technology can be an empowering tool for young people with autism, in terms of personal development and independence. However, they are also potentially more vulnerable than other groups of learners in connected environments. This project will develop e-safety guidance and information for learners on the autistic spectrum, addressing a current gap in national and local e-safety provision.

The project has three specific aims:

To increase the knowledge and expertise of school staff who work with young people on the autistic spectrum in relation to e-safety practice.

To supporting young people on the autistic spectrum in BSF schools by promoting a positive, fun and safe experience of technology.

To create openly licensed guidance and materials to support staff not directly participating in the development and design of the project.

Childnet will be meeting with students and staff at the three participating schools in the next month, to scope the project and guidance. We’ll be providing updates about progress and releasing all of the project outputs here.

More about Childnet:

Childnet International is a leading UK charity whose aim is to make the internet a great and safe place for children. Since January 2011 they have been appointed by the European Union as the UK Safer Internet Centre, connected to a network of 27 European countries in promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet and new technologies. Working together with the Internet Watch Foundation and the South West Grid for Learning, we raise awareness about internet safety and develop information materials and organise high-profile events such as Safer Internet Day.

About Josie Fraser

UK-based Social and Educational Technologist, currently working for Leicester City Council (Local Government) as ICT Strategy Lead (Children's Capital). I support schools across the city in making effective and innovative use of technology to support learning, teaching and whole school development.